PSG v Lyon match could be postponed over security concerns

The postponement of the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain and Olympique Lyonnais, due to be played at the Parc des Princes on Sunday, is under discussion. According to the French press, the Paris police prefecture has asked the French Professional Football League (LFP) to change the schedule, on the grounds that security forces must be deployed across the country against possible new incidents.

L'Equipe wrote that the match could be moved to Monday. The LFP has not yet announced an official decision. Talks between officials, the LFP and the two clubs are continuing.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on Tuesday that a "comprehensive" security operation would be launched ahead of the protests planned for Saturday, and that the police would be supported by soldiers. The preparations follow the riots and looting that took place in Paris and other cities on 17 October. The incidents erupted after student demonstrations over the cost of living and the decline in public services, which had remained largely calm for weeks. A partial curfew is in force in certain areas of some cities, including Paris and Toulouse.

This match is not the only source of demand on security resources this weekend. On Sunday, an NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints will be played at the Stade de France. At the request of local authorities, the LFP has also moved the Toulouse v Troyes match from Saturday to Sunday. The match will kick off at 17.15. The Haute Garonne prefecture said it does not consider the match high risk, but that it would still require a significant number of personnel.